Bir in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh is a perfect getaway destination for natural beauty, ecotourism, spirituality and adventure. Bir was my first abode in the Himalayas. I was blessed to get a chance to live in one of the most beautiful villages of Himachal after I quit my job and left the city life for a quieter and healthier life.
Bir was a great choice for me as it still retains its calmness and serenity. I explored Bir on foot, at my own pace. It is the first destination for my slow travels.
Monasteries in and around Bir
Bir has a very positive and peaceful vibe in the air, possibly because of the many monasteries in and around this place.
Paplung Sherabling Monastery in Bhattu, near Bir
Paplung Sherabling Monastery is the largest monastery in this area. If you drive from the Palampur side, you would start catching glimpses of this monastery from the road itself. It is in a village called Bhattu, 5kms away from Bir. Situated in the pine forested protected land with the backdrop of the Dhauladhar Himalayan range, it provides a serene ambiance in and around the monastery.
Pema Ewam Chögar Gyurme Ling or Chokling Monastery in Bir
Pema Ewam Chögar Gyurme Ling Monastery is also called Chokling Monastery as it was built by the Chokling Rinpoche. Neten Chokling, an incarnate lama of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism migrated to Bir and established a Tibetan settlement. Located in the central part of Tibetan colony, this is the most beautiful monastery in Bir.
